About Us

 

In 2003, our family acquired our first American Water Spaniel, UH HR Cow Creeks Sweet Jasmine WDX.  We purchased her from Nighthawk Kennels out of Vergas, Minnesota.  It happened to be one of the best decisions we have ever made.

Steve grew-up waterfowl hunting with his father and grandfather on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Va. and Currituck Sound, NC.  Over the years our style of hunting changed from hunting in large shore blinds to mostly hunting in float blinds.  When this change took place, we started looking for a smaller breed that was capable of doing the retrieving work of a Labrador Retriever but  would take up less space in the float blind.  We also wanted a dog that could withstand cold water temperatures and be a valued member of our family.  In our opinion, the American Water Spaniel fits that mold.  Also, over the past few years we have become involved in hunt tests.  Our dogs actively participate in AWSC, HRC, and AKC hunt tests.  Several of our dogs and their offspring have done extremely well in hunt tests.  

As breeders, our goal is to produce “Fine family gun dogs”.  We want to develop a line of dogs that are healthy, have sound temperaments, family oriented, and excel in the hunting environment.  We want  these qualities to be a tradition at Cow Creek Kennel.

We are active members of the American Water Spaniel Club, Inc., the Charleston Retriever Club and the Albemarle Retriever Club.  Steve is currently on the Board of Directors and is the Hunting Events Chairman for the AWSC, Inc.  He is also a licensed HRC/UKC hunt test judge.

Tracey and our daughters, Erin & Kelsie, are also very involved with our dogs.  They have shown our dogs in the breed ring as well as participated in hunt tests and agility.